The new Daire Center opened on Jan. 28. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)

Howie Daire died two years before his vision of an adult daycare facility for people living with AIDS opened. A new Daire Center opened this week near AIN’s new office.

The original Daire Center provided respite care for people living with AIDS who couldn’t be left alone during the day while their partner, roommate or friend worked. Today, the Daire Center provides meals and non-medical support including art therapy and stabilization in a safe space as well as respite care.

The new Daire Center held its official opening on Monday, Jan 28 near AIN’s new office located in a strip center at 2600 N. Stemmons Freeway it shares with Children’s Hospital and KD Conservatory.

Along with Candy Marcum, Daire founded Oak Lawn Community Services where the Daire Center originally operated. AIN CEO Steven Pace served as an early executive director of OLCS. When that organization closed in 1999, it made perfect sense for some of its programs including the Daire Center to move to AIN where Pace had recently been appointed.

Daire is remembered as a pioneer in providing AIDS services in Dallas and was honored for his work by being named first grand marshal of the Pride parade. He died in 1986 at the age of 37.

— David Taffet